Richard “Doc” Allen Mather was born January 9, 1945, in Canyon City,
Colorado, the son of Charles and Mary (Thomas) Mather. He passed away
March 6, 2021, in Colby, KS at the age of 76.
Doc grew up on a farm South of Goodland, KS and attended school there
until the 11th grade. Doc enjoyed participating in rodeos at a young age
and eventually had to give up that life when his body could no longer
take it. He lived on and off with his cousin, Lee and Illa Parker, who
were very special to him. Doc worked on the T-Bar Ranch South of
Goodland. He loved the ranch and that way of life.
Doc married the late Rochelle Ann “Carman” Mather on March 30, 1991, at
the Colby United Methodist Church. They moved their family to a ranch 15
miles Southeast of Goodland. Doc continued to do the work he loved at
T-Bar Ranch until an injury prevented him. They then bought a house in
Clayton, KS and Doc kept himself busy by working for Brooks
Manufacturing, in Clayton. After Rochelle’s passing, Doc moved to
Fairview Estates, in Colby, KS. There he made several friends, including
Janette Rust, who he became very close with over the last several
years.
Doc was a very loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. He
enjoyed hunting and fishing as well as attending N.A. and A.A. campouts.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church, in Clayton, Alcoholics
Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, for the last 30 years.
Survivors include children, Traci (Matt) Wheeler, of Dayton, OH and
Matthew Heinrich, of Oberlin, KS; grandchildren, Emilee, Hunter,
Cameron, Mackenzie and Haley; numerous cousins and a host of friends.
In addition to his parents, Doc was preceded in death by his wife
Rochelle; brother, Charles “Pete”; sister Mary June and grandparents,
George and Willamenia Mather and Edgar and Mary Thomas.
Cremation was chosen and the family is planning a Celebration of Life
for Memorial Day, May 31, 2021. Memorials may be addressed in Doc’s name
and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For
information or condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com